SCORE column: Passing on business purchase leads to startup

In 2008, Deanne and Patrick Weier were considering buying a business. The process brought them to an entrepreneurial class offered by the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County and the Manitowoc SCORE Chapter, a branch of Green Bay SCORE.

At SCORE, they met volunteer Tom Finley, a SCORE Platinum Award winner, who has mentored more than 1,000 clients and is known for developing lasting relationships with his clients.

"Tom's only interest is in helping us to be successful," Deanne Weier said. "There is nothing financial in it for him. Over the years, what we've had is a person who is in our corner every step of the way."

Deanne said Finley helped by asking the right questions and empowering the couple to make the decisions.

"When we first met, we went into SCORE with every intention of buying this business, but as we investigated further, it led us to the decision that it was not the right fit," Deanne said. "By writing a business plan and not pursuing this business, we accepted that it wasn't a failure to move on. That's what the process is supposed to do - help you make the right decision."

Although their initial plans changed, Patrick continued to investigate opportunities and pursue the dream of owning a business. Because Deanne wanted to support Patrick, they took classes, and periodically met with Finley.

Deanna said, "We felt we needed to educate ourselves and learned about everything from business insurance to accounting. While this made us feel more prepared for the challenge, we also came to accept that a business is risky and, despite your best efforts, there are no guarantees."

When another business opportunity was presented, the Weiers returned to SCORE and also talked to an accountant. The consensus was that the price was too high, and despite wanting the greater security offered by an established business, they decided to do a startup.

After surveying other businesses in the area, they found a niche in CNC plasma cutting and started PDJ Cutting and Fabricating (pdjcutandfab.com) in May 2009.

"We started with one machine in a 1,500-square-foot corner of an abandoned warehouse," Deanne said. "There was no heat or running water. That was a long, cold winter."

As they worked to establish the business, both continued to work full-time at other jobs. "It's challenging to find a balance when you're trying to pour your heart and soul in to getting it started, but it was a reality thing," Deanne said.

Then, in late 2010, the business they had looked at most recently came down in price and they bought it. That allowed them to move the business into a 5,000-square-foot facility, a building that seemed like a palace compared to their first location.

They now had an established client base, and additional equipment and capabilities. However, when a time and materials cost study revealed that changes needed to be made in order to be profitable, they again sought advice. Next week's column will look at the continuing challenges.

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SCORE column: Passing on business purchase leads to startup

In 2008, Deanne and Patrick Weier were considering buying a business. The process brought them to an entrepreneurial class offered by the Economic Development Corporation of Manitowoc County and the

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